Estonia head coach Jürgen Henn has named his squad for the September internationals against Italy and Andorra, while also reflecting on the balance between honoring two national legends and preparing for the future.
The September 9 match against Andorra will serve as the farewell game for Konstantin Vassiljev and Taijo Teniste. Henn admitted that arranging playing time for both veterans in an official match requires adjustments, but he believes it is important. “As a coach you are caught between two sides. On one hand, you always want to focus fully on the match and the result, but football is also about human and cultural values. It’s right that we make some concessions. Taijo and Kostja are professionals and I’m sure this won’t disturb our preparations. I believe the team also wants to give them a good last game.”
Both players will join the team after the trip to Italy and take part in two training sessions before their farewell in Tallinn. Vassiljev is Estonia’s record appearance holder, while Teniste will reach his 100th cap in the match against Andorra.
The biggest change in the squad is the first-ever call-up for Harju JK Laagri striker Karel Eerme, who replaces the injured Alex Matthias Tamm. The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals in 24 Premium Liiga matches this season. Henn praised his qualities: “Karel is versatile, with a strong long shot, and he is sharp around the box. Against a team like Andorra, who defend deeper, we need players who can be dangerous in tight spaces.”
Eerme was chosen ahead of Tallinna Kalev forward Taaniel Usta, who has scored 11 league goals this season. Tanel Tammik also earned selection, with Henn highlighting his fighting spirit and consistent performances. Injuries ruled out Dmitri Jepihhin, Kristo Hussar, and Markus Poom, while captain Karol Mets is still recovering and was not considered ready to return.
Henn also spoke about Estonian players moving abroad over the summer. Robi Saarma transferred to the Czech top division, Martin Vetkal joined the Dutch second tier, Maksim Paskotši moved to Belgium, and Karl Jakob Hein was loaned to Werder Bremen. “Positive steps all around,” Henn said.
On European club football, he admitted to mixed feelings. Levadia disappointed with one costly defeat, while Nõmme Kalju impressed by eliminating Partizani Tirana and pushing St Patrick’s Athletic to extra time. “Kalju deserved to progress further, but their young players gained valuable experience. This will make them stronger in the coming years.”
Estonia will play Italy away in Bergamo on September 5 in World Cup qualifying before facing Andorra at home on September 9, a match that will celebrate two of the country’s most respected players.
Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/henn-eermest-ta-on-kasti-umber-osav-ja-hea-kaugloogiga-vajame-andorra-vastu-selliseid-mehi
https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/henn-lahkumismangust-jareleandmisi-tuleb-teha-aga-jalgpallis-on-ka-muud-kui-ainult-tulemus
